Brussels, 16/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament hopes to simplify implementation of the EU research framework programmes to improve the joint funding of research projects. A report along these lines drafted by Maria da Graça Carvalho (EPP, Portugal) was adopted on 11 November by 553 votes to 12 and 7 abstentions. MEPs consider the research funding system should place more trust in applicants and be more risk-tolerant, albeit with clearly defined rules. Nonetheless, any simplification process should be carefully implemented within the framework of the current 7th Framework Programme in order to maintain stability, consistency and legal certainty for all participants, they say. “It is urgent to simplify the way programmes work to ensure they are put to best use and have secure support provisions”, stressed Jean-Pierre Audy (EPP, France). According to MEPs, the current system is geared too much to controls, which entails wasted resources and a low participation rate, while the management system on risk tolerance seems to avoid risks rather than managing them. They also recommend more effective and user-friendly procedures in the future such as: - financial control methods which clearly distinguish between fraud and error; uniform interpretation and application of participation rules; broader acceptance of usual accounting practices for checking participants' eligible costs; clearer terminology on the use of flat-rate and lump sums; total abolition of time-recording mechanisms, such as time-sheets; and the use of the “single audit approach” and “real time” auditing to enable beneficiaries to correct any systemic errors. (B.C./transl.jl)